Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Tree and Fence Strike After Landing on Wet Grass (N7014P)

Arthur City, TX, US

On July 26, 1997, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N7014P) was involved in an aviation accident near Arthur City, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the landing. Factors were the wet, grass runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported landing fast on a wet grass runway, then turning to avoid a ditch. The airplane struck a tree and a barbed wire fence before the left wing dropped into a hole, buckling the main spar.

Incident Overview

A pilot involved in a landing accident reported that the airplane was "a little fast" on short final and that he had considered a go-around before committing to the landing. According to the pilot, brakes were applied immediately upon touchdown, but the wet grass prevented the airplane from stopping before the end of the runway.

Maneuver to Avoid Ditch

Approximately 60 yards from the departure end of the runway, the pilot executed a 90-degree left turn toward an open field. The maneuver was intended to avoid a large ditch located just off the departure end. During the turn, the right wingtip contacted a tree. The airplane then rolled through a barbed wire fence.

Damage and Final Position

After crossing the fence, the airplane came to rest with the left wing resting on a fence post. As the left wheel dropped into a hole, the main spar buckled at the outboard skin lap. No further details on the extent of damage or the condition of occupants were provided in the pilot's account.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08395. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.